The Division of Nephrology manages a full-service, state-of-the-art, Acute Dialysis Unit. This unit provides renal replacement therapy (RRT) for all inpatients and for outpatients who have complications or specialized dialysis care needs. The unit operates full-time, six days per week, and part-time for emergency care on Sunday. This unit provides the following services using the latest equipment:

Standard hemodialysis in the inpatient unit

Bedside hemodialysis for patients in the intensive care unit

Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration-dialysis (CVVHD) using citrate regional anti-coagulation -- a form of continuous RRT used for critically-ill patients

Nocturnal Hemodialysis Program

Beginning in April 2006, the University of Michigan inpatient hemodialysis unit will begin running a nocturnal hemodialysis program aimed at (1) expanding the capacity of our Acute Dialysis Unit by using the space at night and potentially off-loading the daytime schedule, (2) offering slow dialysis (lower blood and dialysate flow rates), and (3) increasing our experience with new modalities and paradigms.

In recent years a growing body of literature has emerged to suggest various advantages of slow extended (nocturnal) hemodialysis compared to conventional hemodialysis. Some reported benefits include improved volume and blood pressure control; improved phosphate control; and improved health-related quality of life. In addition, it is our hope that offering nocturnal dialysis to inpatients will free up daytime hours for other testing or procedures, leading to shorter hospital stays.

The initial phase will have openings for five patients per night, Monday through Thursday. Patients will be identified by their inpatient nephrology consultant. Eventually we plan to expand to five or more nights, and include outpatients as well, to be evaluated after we have 6-12 mos of experience with this program.

Interventional Nephrology Unit

The Interventional Nephrology Unit is conveniently located adjacent to the Acute Dialysis Unit to provide services to initiate and maintain hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis access.

The Acute Dialysis Unit is staffed by a team of nurses highly experienced in performing hemodialysis. Nephrology faculty and fellows on our three consultative services (Acute Consultation, Transplant and Chronic Dialysis) supervise each RRT procedure performed on inpatients or outpatients treated in the hospital Acute Dialysis Unit.

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